19 South Dakota Legislative Candidates Sign Data Center Accountability Pledge, Commit to “Day Zero” Action, Call for Others to Join
Nineteen South Dakota legislative candidates have signed the Data Center Accountability Pledge (D-CAP), committing to prioritize data center oversight, transparency, and local control. They pledge immediate action upon election, rejection of campaign donations from data center interests, opposition to tax incentives, and defense of local governments' ability to regulate or ban data center development. This initiative reflects strong voter sentiment against data center expansion in the state.
Nineteen legislative candidates across South Dakota have formally signed the Data Center Accountability Pledge (D-CAP), committing to proactive measures concerning data center expansion if elected. The pledge emphasizes oversight, transparency, and local control, aiming to protect consumers, communities, and the environment within the state.
Key commitments outlined in the D-CAP include taking "Day Zero" action immediately upon election, even before the 2027 legislative session, to implement protections for South Dakotans. Signatories also pledge to reject campaign donations and support from groups aligned with data centers, specifically opposing sales tax waivers or other tax incentives for data center construction. Furthermore, candidates commit to ongoing transparency regarding legislative actions on data centers through the D-CAP website and vow to defend local governments' authority to regulate, pause, or ban data center development in their communities, countering any bills that might weaken this local control.
Candidates Amanda Potter (District 9, western Sioux Falls and Hartford) and Jeff Shelton (District 32, north and central Rapid City) underscored the significance of the pledge. Potter stated it represents "a meaningful commitment to action, not just rhetoric," signaling that data centers will be a top priority in the next legislative session. Shelton highlighted that conversations with voters revealed a clear sentiment that "data centers aren’t wanted in South Dakota," and the candidates intend to reflect this message through legislative action and rejection of special interest money. Both encouraged other candidates across the state to join the pledge.